Pax Vesania cover

Pax Vesania

Yousei Teikoku · 2013

53 min · 13 tracks · gothic rock

A haunting blend of dark wave and symphonic metal that weaves intricate melodies with atmospheric soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Astral Dogma Start here — The opening track sets a dramatic tone with its sweeping orchestration and ethereal vocals, encapsulating the album's thematic exploration of existential dread.
  • →
    ココロサンクチュアリ — This track features a compelling juxtaposition of gentle melodies and intense instrumentation, illustrating the band's range while delving into themes of isolation and yearning.
  • →
    The Creator — With its complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics, this song serves as a pivotal moment on the album, reflecting on creation and destruction in a beautifully orchestrated piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate compositions and strong atmospheric elements, making it distinct within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a dark, atmospheric tone before transitioning into more complex compositions.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocals, with harmonies that create a haunting effect, particularly in '月鏡反魂シネラリウム' and '葬詩'.
  • The use of orchestral elements is prominent throughout, with strings and choirs enhancing the emotional weight of the melodies.
  • Tracks vary significantly in tempo and intensity, with some maintaining a steady pace while others build to climactic moments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debuted at number one on the Oricon indie charts, marking a rise in popularity.
Career context
Pax Vesania is Yousei Teikoku's fifth studio album, released in 2013, following their critically acclaimed record, Altered Reality. At this stage, the band had solidified their presence in the dark wave and gothic rock scenes, balancing ambitious thematic elements with a polished production style. The album demonstrates their evolution by incorporating orchestral arrangements that amplify their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Lacuna Coil· Nightwish· Within Temptation

Tracklist

  • 1 序 1:03
  • 2 Astral Dogma Start here 5:27
  • 3 Solitude 4:09
  • 4 狂気沈殿 4:08
  • 5 ココロサンクチュアリ 4:22
  • 6 月鏡反魂シネラリウム 3:44
  • 7 Siege oder sterben 3:39
  • 8 missing 5:17
  • 9 The Creator 3:49
  • 10 Herrscher 5:09
  • 11 空想メソロギヰ 4:03
  • 12 葬詩 4:42
  • 13 機械 3:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata